Blue Springs breaks ground on recycling center

At long last, work on the Pink Hill Park Recycling Center in Blue Springs has begun.

Jeff Martin - jeff.martin@examiner.net

At long last, work on the Pink Hill Park Recycling Center in Blue Springs has begun.

“They’ve broken ground on it,” Roscoe Righter, director of Blue Springs Parks and Recreation, said Wednesday. “I know some of the fences have been erected, but the weather hasn’t helped.”

But some early spring snow and Wednesday’s rain can’t put a damper on this project, considered by city officials and several city surveys as one of the most requested city features.

The most recent survey indicated that 56 percent of those who filled out the form said they would be interested in using such a facility.

“So, yes, people are very interested,” Lisa Atkinson, an associate planner with the city’s Community Development Department, said.

Many surrounding communities already have such a center, and now residents can expect the same, she said.

“We’re looking for a midsummer, maybe late, opening,” she said.

The facility will be north of the existing maintenance facility where there is already a gated area.

When it’s finished, the center will accept many types of cans, at least, and perhaps more kinds of plastic, tin, glass and paper products. Some of these items are accepted throughout the city now, but the Pink Hill site will offer residents a one-stop site.

While specifics have to be finalized, the facility will be open about 28 hours per week, most likely on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. There will be a shelter area for at least one paid employee and volunteers, who would help people unload their vehicles.

“We’re looking for volunteers,” Atkinson said.

The total cost of the facility – $174,856 – is being funded mainly through Mid-America Regional Council’s solid waste district division, which is funded by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The city is contributing $43,294 toward the cost.

Mayor Carson Ross has been vocal about the need for the city to offer a recycling option.

Two recycling centers in Independence, which accept a variety of items, are partially subsidized by the city.

In the meantime, city residents can utilize a modest drop-off in the parking lot of the American Legion, though it doesn’t accept glass. And there are recycling centers also in Grain Valley and Lake Lotawana, although Grain Valley has discouraged use by non-residents.

And residents can call the Blue Springs recycling hotline at 228-0228 for event information.

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